Crystagen: Reference Overview and Reconstitution Notes

Crystagen

What it is

Crystagen is a synthetic short peptide, specifically a tripeptide with the sequence glutamic acid, aspartic acid, proline (Glu-Asp-Pro). It belongs to the family of Khavinson peptide bioregulators, a class of short peptides developed at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology and associated with the synthetic "Cytogen" thymus peptide line.

Research context and categorization

Crystagen is generally grouped as an immune bioregulator, and more broadly within the Khavinson bioregulator category of short, tissue-associated peptides. It is commonly discussed in relation to the thymus and immune tissue, since it is modeled on peptide fragments linked to thymic function. In laboratory and animal-model literature it has been investigated for interactions with thymocytes, T-lymphocyte populations, and thymic tissue, and it is studied in the context of gene-expression regulation according to the Khavinson model, in which short peptides are proposed to interact with DNA and influence protein synthesis.

These are investigational research topics. The uses and mechanisms described above come from cell cultures and animal models and are not confirmed or approved outcomes in humans. Crystagen is not an approved therapy, and any effects discussed in the literature should be treated as unproven and preliminary.

Status

  • Regulatory status: Research-only. Crystagen is not FDA-approved for any indication and is handled as an investigational research compound rather than a medicine.
  • Sport status: Not specifically listed by name on the WADA Prohibited List. Note that WADA can treat an unnamed substance as prohibited when it falls within a banned pharmacological class or shares a similar chemical structure or biological effect, so the absence of a name is not a clearance. Anyone competing under anti-doping rules should verify current status directly with the relevant authority.

Reconstitution notes (general)

For a lyophilized (freeze-dried) peptide supplied as a powder, concentration is set by the amount of peptide in the vial divided by the volume of liquid added. Concentration equals milligrams in the vial divided by millilitres of bacteriostatic water. For example, 20 mg reconstituted with 2 mL of bacteriostatic water gives 10 mg per mL. A reconstitution calculator is available at our reconstitution and blend calculators to work out the volume for a target concentration.

Dilution and handling notes (compound-specific)

Crystagen is supplied as a lyophilized powder and is reconstituted with bacteriostatic water. As a very small, highly water-soluble tripeptide, it typically dissolves readily and quickly into a clear, colorless solution, and it does not show the strong tendency to gel, cloud, or precipitate that some larger or more hydrophobic peptides display when concentrated. Add the water slowly down the inner wall of the vial, then let it stand and swirl gently rather than shaking, since vigorous agitation mainly introduces foam and mechanical stress without improving dissolution for a peptide this soluble. Vials are commonly offered in roughly the 5 mg to 20 mg range, with reconstitution volumes of about 2 mL to 3 mL chosen to reach a convenient concentration. The finished solution should look clear; any persistent cloudiness, haze, particles, or floaters after gentle mixing points to a material or handling problem rather than normal behavior for this compound. Because it is a short peptide rather than an oral tablet, small molecule, or pre-mixed liquid, it does require reconstitution before use in research settings.

Handling and storage

Store the reconstituted solution refrigerated at 2 to 8 C, kept out of direct light. Wipe the vial stopper with an alcohol swab before drawing from it, and label the vial with the mix date so the age of the solution is always known. A refrigerated working window of roughly four weeks is a common reference point for a reconstituted peptide of this type. Discard the solution if it becomes cloudy or discolored, or if visible floaters or particles appear. Lyophilized (unreconstituted) powder is best kept frozen, sealed, and protected from light and moisture for longer-term storage.

Related reading

Tools and supplies

For laboratory and research reference only. Educational content, not medical, dosing, injection, or therapeutic guidance, and not intended for human or animal use. Any research uses described are investigational and not confirmed or approved benefits. Confirm anything involving health with a licensed professional. References linked above.